SELF-DECEIT

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does self-deceit mean? 

• SELF-DECEIT (noun)
  The noun SELF-DECEIT has 1 sense:

1. a misconception that is favorable to the person who holds it

  Familiarity information: SELF-DECEIT used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SELF-DECEIT (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A misconception that is favorable to the person who holds it

Classified under:

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents

Synonyms:

self-deceit; self-deception

Hypernyms ("self-deceit" is a kind of...):

misconception (an incorrect conception)

 Context examples 

I will soon explain to what these feelings tended, but allow me now to return to the cottagers, whose story excited in me such various feelings of indignation, delight, and wonder, but which all terminated in additional love and reverence for my protectors (for so I loved, in an innocent, half-painful self-deceit, to call them).

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)

Mrs. Grant, really eager to get any change for her sister, could, by the easiest self-deceit, persuade herself that she was doing the kindest thing by Fanny, and giving her the most important opportunities of improvement in pressing her frequent calls.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)